Chawal ki Sabji (Rice Curry / Rice Stir-Fry Sabzi)
Introduction:
Chawal ki Sabji, also known as Rice Curry or Stir-Fried Rice Vegetable Sabzi, is a delicious and comforting dish made using cooked rice, vegetables, and Indian spices. It is a great way to use leftover rice and convert it into a flavorful one-pot meal. This recipe is commonly prepared in Indian households, especially when there are leftovers or when a quick, nutritious meal is needed without much fuss.
The beauty of Chawal ki Sabji lies in its versatility—you can use any vegetables available in your kitchen, and the dish can be adjusted to suit your taste. It is ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a tiffin box option.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
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Cooked rice – 2 cups (preferably cooled, leftover rice works best)
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Onion – 1 large (finely chopped)
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Tomato – 1 medium (finely chopped)
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Green chili – 1 (finely chopped, optional)
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Ginger – 1 inch (grated or finely chopped)
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Garlic – 3 cloves (finely chopped)
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Mixed vegetables – 1 cup (such as capsicum, carrots, beans, peas, corn, etc.)
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Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
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Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
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Curry leaves – 6–8
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Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
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Red chili powder – ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
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Coriander powder – 1 tsp
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Garam masala – ½ tsp
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Salt – to taste
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Oil – 2 tablespoons
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Fresh coriander leaves – a handful (chopped, for garnish)
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Lemon juice – 1 tsp (optional)
Optional Ingredients:
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Boiled potatoes (cubed) – ½ cup (adds extra substance)
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Paneer cubes or tofu – ½ cup (for protein)
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Chaat masala – ½ tsp (for tangy flavor)
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Cashews or peanuts – for crunch
Method of Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
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Wash and finely chop all the vegetables you wish to add.
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If using harder vegetables like carrots or beans, blanch or lightly boil them beforehand so they cook faster during sautéing.
Step 2: Heat Oil and Temper Spices
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Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or kadhai over medium heat.
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Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
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Add cumin seeds and curry leaves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
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Add chopped green chili, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Tomatoes
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Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
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Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
Step 4: Add Spices and Vegetables
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Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well.
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Now add the chopped vegetables and mix to coat them with the masala.
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Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes on low-medium heat until the vegetables are cooked. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Mix Cooked Rice
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Once vegetables are tender, add the cooked rice.
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Gently mix the rice with the masala and vegetables so the grains remain separate.
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Add garam masala and stir everything together carefully.
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Cook for 2–3 more minutes to let the flavors blend well.
Step 6: Final Touches
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Turn off the heat. Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top.
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Add a dash of lemon juice or chaat masala if desired for an extra zing.
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Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve Chawal ki Sabji hot with curd, pickle, or papad for a complete meal.
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It also goes well with plain yogurt or raita.
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Pack it in a lunchbox with some salad on the side.
Tips and Variations:
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Leftover Rice: Always use leftover or cooled rice. Freshly cooked hot rice can become mushy when mixed with vegetables.
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Add Protein: Add paneer, tofu, soya chunks, or even cooked chickpeas or rajma to make it a protein-rich meal.
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Spice Level: Adjust spices according to your preference. Green chili can be skipped for a milder taste.
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Add Nuts: For a crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews while mixing rice.
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Masala Boost: You can also add a teaspoon of pav bhaji masala or sambar powder for a unique twist.
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South Indian Touch: Add grated coconut and temper with urad dal for a southern-style Chawal Sabzi.
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Avoid Waste: This recipe is excellent for using small leftover quantities of veggies and rice, making it economical and zero-waste friendly.
Health Benefits:
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Nutritious: Packed with fiber and vitamins from the vegetables.
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Light and Digestible: Less oil, simple spices make it easy to digest.
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Wholesome Meal: Can be made into a balanced meal with the addition of protein like paneer or tofu.
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Vegan-Friendly: Can be made vegan by skipping paneer or ghee.
Conclusion:
Chawal ki Sabji is an easy, tasty, and budget-friendly dish that can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes. It is not only a great way to use up leftover rice but also a healthy and satisfying meal option for all ages. You can personalize the recipe according to your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe will always come to your rescue on a busy day. Try it once, and it may just become your go-to comfort food!
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